Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

Amelia Earhart: The legend of the lost aviator

Amelia Earhart: The legend of the lost aviator

Shelley Tanaka
Illustrator:  David Craig 
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 9 to 12
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008   ISBN: 978-0810970953

Amelia Earhart was not the kind of person to be put off when people told her that what she wanted to do was impossible, or inappropriate, or unladylike. More than almost anything Amelia believed that people should pursue their dreams. If need be, they should fight to do what they believe is important. Amelia certainly did; she ended up doing what she cared about the most: flying, teaching, and helping others.

Once Amelia found her place in the sky, she was unstoppable. She broke records and proved to the world that women can be great pilots, just like men. Flying rickety planes that were notoriously prone to breakages and problems, Amelia traveled long distances not only to break records, but to show women that the sky is indeed the limit.

When Amelia's plane disappeared in July 1937, the whole world watched, waited, and then grieved. To this day, we do not know what happened to Amelia Earhart. We may never know, but her legacy lives on, and generations of girls and women still look to her for inspiration.

In this marvelous picture book Shelley Tanaka brings Amelia Earhart's world to life. With numerous quotes from Amelia's writings and speeches, the book beautifully captures Amelia Earhart's indomitable spirit and her sense of adventure. Packed with information, illustrations, and photographs, this title is a must for all young Amelia Earhart fans.